Ongoing Courses

The objective of this course is for the pediatric critical care fellows to obtain working knowledge and proficiency of standard Difficult Airway Management Guidelines and the airway management techniques. The course aims to prepare the trainees for the management of the anticipated and unanticipated pediatric difficult airway. Simulation training focuses on psychomotor skills for various airway management techniques and devices including direct laryngoscopy, indirect and video laryngoscopy, laryngeal mask airway, and fiberoptic intubation. After skill set training, trainees are presented with a range of difficult airway scenarios on the simulator, which they manage in real time with individualized feedback to gain experience and confidence in their skills.

Course director: Waleed Sneij, MD

The UM-JMH Center for Patient Safety is an endorsed simulation center by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and a member of their Simulation Education Network. The one-day course fulfills Part IV requirement of the American Board of Anesthesiologists (ABA) Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) Program. The overall focus of this course is on learning teamwork and crisis-management skills needed for managing critical events in anesthesia and identifying areas for practice improvement.

Course director: Christina Matadial, MD

Designed for internal medicine residents, as well as medical students on the internal medicine core clerkship, this course focuses on the proper performance of abdominal paracentesis, including patient positioning and aseptic technique. The course includes a multimedia didactic module emphasizing site anatomy, paracentesis indications and alternatives, as well as recognition of complications and corrective maneuvers. A hands-on practical component is then undertaken using task trainers to develop psychomotor skills for the procedure.

Course director: Aldo Pavon, MD

The course focuses on proper central line placement, including the use of ultrasound guidance for locating and verifying venous access sites. The course includes a multimedia didactic module emphasizing site anatomy, central line indications and alternatives, as well as recognition of complications and corrective maneuvers. A hands-on practical component is then undertaken using partial task trainers to develop psychomotor skills for the placement of internal jugular and A-line placement.  There is a strong focus on ultrasound use for proper technique. 

Course director: Gerd Pust, MD

Presented to residents across the spectrum of training programs who routinely perform this procedure, such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, and surgery, the course focuses on proper central line placement, including the use of ultrasound guidance for locating and verifying venous access sites. The course includes a multimedia didactic module emphasizing site anatomy, central line indications and alternatives, as well as recognition of complications and corrective maneuvers. A hands-on practical component is then undertaken using partial task trainers to develop psychomotor skills for the placement of internal jugular, subclavian, and femoral lines. There is a strong focus on ultrasound use, proper application of the tissue dilator, and sterile technique. Residents who encounter complications in their clinical practice are referred by Risk Management for remediation.

Course director: Aldo Pavon, MD

The Critical Care RN internship is a course that incorporates classroom, simulation lab and focused clinical experiences. The internship includes: 1) Cardiac rhythm interpretation 2) Critical care class 3) Simulation lab experience and cases to reinforce classroom concepts and 4) Clinical practice with focused objectives related to critical care concepts.

Course director: Ellen Weeks, MSN, APRN and Staniesha Rodriguez, MSN, APRN

Pediatric critical care fellows, respiratory therapists and staff nurses learn the principles and practice the skills necessary for effective critical event management in the pediatric intensive care unit. Simulated cardio-respiratory arrests and rapid-response scenarios give residents and nurses hands-on experience in managing critically ill patients. While clinical management and adherence to PALS guidelines is covered in these sessions, their focus is on teamwork, resource management and communicating with the families of critically ill pediatric patients. Video recordings of the events are reviewed with the instructors and the course participants during debriefing sessions. Feedback is provided in a supportive and constructive manner with the intention of motivating improved performance.

Course director: Jennifer Munoz, MD

Anesthesiology residents learn the principles and refined skills necessary for effective critical event management. Simulated critical incidents give residents hands-on experience with complex, infrequently occurring scenarios that they would otherwise only read about. Participants experience crisis events in the context of peripartum care. Video recordings of the events are reviewed with the instructors and course participants during debriefing sessions. Feedback is provided in a supportive and constructive manner with the intention of motivating improved performance.

Course director: Reine Zbeidy, MD

The objective of this course is for the trainees to obtain a working knowledge and proficiency of standard difficult airway management guidelines and the airway management techniques. Simulator training focuses on psychomotor skill sets for various airway management techniques and devices including retrograde intubation, lighted stylet, ventilating tube exchanger, laryngeal mask airway, Combi tube, transtracheal jet ventilation, and cricothyrotomy. After skill set demonstrations, trainees are presented with a range of difficult airway scenarios on the simulator, which they manage in real-time with individualized feedback to gain experience and confidence in their skills. Formative and summative assessment of simulation-based performance is provided pre- and post- training.

Course directors: Jorge Cabrera, MD; Nina Massad, MD; and Arpan Mehta, MD

This course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive and immersive learning experience that focuses on the principles, procedures, and management of patients who require ECMO support. The training involves theoretical instruction, hands-on simulations, interactive scenarios, and case studies. The goal is to equip participants with a thorough understanding of ECMO therapy and the practical skills necessary for successful patient management in critical care settings.

Course directors: Jennifer Munoz, MD and Desiree Machado, MD

This course introduces medical students to Rapid Ultrasound in Shock and Hypotension (RUSH) exam, a tool used for diagnosing the etiology of undifferentiated hypotension in patients. Through a combination of didactic sessions and hands-on practice using ultrasound equipment students engage with real-life patient scenarios guided by experienced faculty and standardized patients (SPs). Upon completion, students will have developed the confidence to identify key ultrasound findings related to various shock etiologies, enhancing their diagnostic and management skill in emergency settings.

Course director: Matthew Pyle, MD

Students diagnose and treat simulated patients suffering from conditions commonly seen in the emergency room. Video recordings of the events are reviewed with the instructor and the course participants during debriefing sessions. Feedback is provided in a supportive and constructive manner with the intention of motivating improved performance.

Course director: Yoni Azoulai, MD

Addressing Microaggressions in the Workplace, 2022-2023, In collaboration with Faculty Affairs, Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement (ODICE), UM Office of Institutional Culture, and The Gordon Center. We designed and evaluated an experiential course for faculty, aiming to deepen their understanding of bias/microaggression and equip them with tools to lead meaningful dialogue. The overarching goal is to empower faculty to normalize and advance conversations surrounding microaggressions and bias in the workplace.

This program offers OB/GYN residents comprehensive, hands-on training in ultrasound imaging utilizing the Vimedix ultrasound simulator. Throughout the academic year, residents practice ultrasound measurements, store images using de-identified participant IDs, and refine their skills in diagnostic imaging. This approach ensures that residents develop confidence and expertise in ultrasound techniques essential for OB/GYN practice.

Course director: Natalia Ravelo, MD

Designed for internal medicine and neurology residents, as well as medical students on the neurology core clerkship, the course focuses on the proper performance of lumbar puncture, including patient positioning and aseptic technique. The course includes a multimedia didactic module emphasizing site anatomy, LP indications and alternatives, as well as recognition of complications and corrective maneuvers. A hands-on practical component is then undertaken using partial task trainers to develop psychomotor skills for the procedure.

Course directors: Aldo Pavon, MD and Nina Massad, MD

This course allows Hematology and Oncology Fellows to advance their technical skills in performing lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsies. The course includes a multimedia didactic module emphasizing site anatomy, lumbar puncture indications and alternatives, as well as recognition of complications and corrective maneuvers. A hands-on practical component is then undertaken using partial task trainers to develop psychomotor skills for the procedure.

Course instructor: Aldo Pavon, MD

This program is a hands-on and intensive training course aimed at providing pediatric interns with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary for proficiently conducting bone marrow aspirations and lumbar punctures in pediatric patients. The course encompasses a comprehensive blend of theoretical understanding, practical training, simulation-based learning, and clinical guidance.

Course director: Warren Alperstein, MD

This course prepares newly graduated nurses the opportunity to enhance and firmly establish their skills and knowledge as it applies to a medical/surgical patient population while in a controlled and educational environment.

Course instructors: Sean Carillon, MSN, RN and Jessica Myers, MSN, RN

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) uses a blended-learning approach, which includes online testing and case-based simulations as well as hands-on simulation and debriefing that focus on critical leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Residents and fellows in pediatrics and pediatric subspecialties, family medicine, obstetric and gynecology work together with nurses in NRP simulation sessions to practice effective team-based care and learn evidence-based approach to care of the newborn at birth.

Course directors: Teresa del Moral, MD and Jahli Galloway, MSN, RN

The simulation component of the bootcamp allowed students to learn the proper technique and subsequent hands-on practice of performing a Lumbar Puncture within a safe environment. 

Course director: Nina Massad, MD

During their Women and Children’s Health Integrated Clerkship in Obstetrics and Gynecology Discipline, students attend a simulation session at the Center for Patient Safety. In small group exercises, the students receive pelvic and breast exam model training and are provided the opportunity the opportunity to practice delivering a baby using a birthing simulator.

Course director: Jorge Garcia, MD

This course is designed for the UM Street Medicine team, which consists of both students and Family Medicine residents. It offers knowledge and hands-on experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology ultrasound. Participants engage in simulated exercises, practical sessions, and educational seminars. They also shadow professionals and observe real-world applications. The course is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the Vimedix simulator, different ultrasound machines, and specialized probes for vascular, cardiac, and abdominal imaging. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of essential diagnostic techniques.

Course director: Matthew Pyle, MD

Pediatric residents and staff nurses learn the principles and skills necessary for effective critical event management. Simulated cardio-respiratory arrests give residents and nurses hands-on experience with managing resuscitation of critically ill patients. While clinical management and adherence to PALS guidelines is covered in the sessions, their focus is on the teamwork and resource management. Video recordings of the events are reviewed with the instructors and the course participants during debriefing sessions. Feedback is provided in a supportive and constructive manner with the intention of motivating improved performance.

Course director: Monica Alba-Sandoval, MD

Conducted in the resuscitation room of the pediatric emergency department, monthly mock codes challenge pediatric residents and staff nurses to learn the principles and skills necessary for effective critical event management in a real clinical environment. Simulated cardio-respiratory arrest gives residents and nurses hands-on experience with managing resuscitation of critically ill patients as well as identifying and reporting system issues that might detract from quality patient care. Feedback is provided in a supportive and constructive manner with the intention of motivating improved performance.

Course director: Sara Cortes, MD

Pediatric Orange team is a specialized educational program aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge, and teamwork of healthcare professionals who work with pediatric patients in critical care and emergency settings. Through a combination of scenario-based simulations, hands-on skill workshops, didactic lectures, and team-building exercises, participants will develop the expertise required to provide effective and coordinated care to critically ill children.

Course director: Warren Alperstein, MD

During this course, residents are given various complex pediatric cases in a RCDP instructional format. Rapid-Cycle Deliberate Practice (RCDP) is a simulation-based instructional strategy that focuses on rapid acquisition of necessary skills. It provides gradually more challenging simulation rounds in rapid repetition with brief direct expert feedback throughout the session. Contrary to traditional debriefing where learning is taught after the scenario during debriefing. In recent years, RCDP’s use in training emergency clinical situations has been associated with improvement team performance in several different studies.

Course director: Monica Alba-Sandoval, MD

This course is tailored for transport team members to enhance and refine the essential skills required for the safe and effective transport of ill pediatric patients. Throughout the course, participants enhance their critical thinking and decision-making abilities, essential for managing pediatric emergencies during transport. The course content includes advanced life support techniques, patient stabilization, and effective communication strategies, with the primary objective being to maintain high standards of care and improve patient outcomes during critical transport phases.

Course director: Asumthia Jeyapalan, MD

The point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) course was created for Anesthesiology Residents - CA-1 through CA-3 years. This longitudinal course encompasses classes, workshops, and assessments throughout Anesthesiology residency. The training aims to improve resident's skills in the following areas: image acquisition, procedural technique and needle placement, ultrasound anatomy, image assessment, and judgment when correlating with clinical context. 

Course director: Ivet Cordoba, MD

The use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is rapidly expanding across medical specialties. The Center for Patient Safety host the IM residency program Pocus course which involves simulation, hands on sessions and lectures as well as a shadowing experience for the residents. Equipped with cutting edge simulation technology like the Vimedix and several ultrasound equipment with vascular, cardiac, and abdominal probe, the center is the ideal place for the residents to get familiar and to expand their knowledge in ultrasound.

Course director: Maria Antoinetta Mosetti, MD

Interns practice techniques for Intravenous (IV), Intraosseous Infusion (IO), and Lumbar Puncture (LP) procedures on realistic pediatric task trainers. The interactive training session allows small groups of interns to rotate among the various specialized trainers to acquire skill acquisition while under the direction and guidance of pediatric physicians.

Course director: Monica Alba-Sandoval, MD

Internal Medicine residents undergo training to learn the principles of and develop the necessary skills for effective management of critical events. During this training, they participate in simulated cardio-respiratory arrests and rapid response scenarios to gain practical experience in managing acutely ill hospital patients. While the training covers clinical management and adherence to ACLS guidelines, the focus is also on teamwork and resource management. Supportive and constructive feedback is given through debriefing sessions after each case to motivate and guide improved performance.  Sessions can be recorded for group review, and participants are given the opportunity to practice their ACLS skills while receiving real-time, visual feedback.

Course directors: VA-QI Chiefs

The focus of this course is to assist nephrology fellows in recognizing and treating the most widespread types of medical renal diseases, which can have an impact on various parts of the kidney such as the glomerulus, tubules, interstitium, and blood vessels. Through this course, fellows gain the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately diagnose and effectively manage these conditions.

Course director: Maria Antonietta Mosetti, MD

Through simulation sessions in the lab and in-situ training on the hematology-oncology floor, pediatric interns learn the principles and skills necessary for diagnosis and treatment of patients in shock. While clinical management and adherence to shock treatment guidelines is covered in the sessions, their focus is on teamwork, communication, and resource management. Interns’ performance is reviewed with the instructors during video-aided debriefing sessions. Feedback is provided in a supportive and constructive manner with the intention of motivating improved performance.

Course director: Warren Alperstein, MD

Designed for internal medicine residents, the course focuses on the proper performance of thoracentesis, including the use of ultrasound guidance. The course includes a multimedia didactic module emphasizing site anatomy, thoracentesis indications and alternatives, as well as recognition of complications and corrective maneuvers. A hands-on practical component is then undertaken using partial task trainers to develop psychomotor skills for the procedure.

Course director: Aldo Pavon, MD

First-year fellows from Endocrinology and Cytopathology receive hands-on practice with the use of a Thyroid task trainer and ultrasound machines. The fellows practice determining fine needle placement, aspiration, proper procedural technique, various needle approaches, and documentation. The session also includes preparing specimen samples and biopsy analysis.

Course director: Zeina Hannoush, MD

Aimed at senior anesthesiology residents, adult and pediatric cardiology fellows and critical care attending physicians, this course offers a comprehensive knowledge base through learning practical skills in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to complement clinical evaluation. The course has been developed to use the CAE Vimedix Ultrasound Simulator to reinforce clinical simulator case studies. Participants learn practical skills in focused TEE as well as normal and pathological cases relevant to their specialties.

Course director: Martin Bilsker, MD

Directed at senior emergency medicine residents, critical care, and adult and pediatric cardiology fellows, this course offers a comprehensive knowledge base through learning practical skills in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to complement clinical evaluation. The course has been developed to use the CAE Vimedix Ultrasound Simulator to reinforce clinical simulator case studies. Participants learn practical skills in focused TTE as well as normal and pathological cases relevant to their specialties.

Course director: Rhea Sancassani, MD

The course is designed to enhance the Trauma Acute Care unit’s ability to respond to "Code Blue" situations. This interactive training focuses on improving Basic Life Support (BLS) skills through realistic, hands-on scenarios. Participants take part in simulations that simulate high-stress cardiac emergencies, emphasizing teamwork and allowing staff to improve their techniques and coordination. As a result of this course, Trauma Acute Care Unit personnel are better prepared to provide timely and efficient care, resulting in better patient outcomes during critical incidents.

Course director: Jose Marcano, MSN, APRN

This course provides MFM fellows and Ob/GYN residents with comprehensive training in advanced ultrasound imaging and amniocentesis procedures. Focusing on amniocentesis, a crucial fetal sampling technique during pregnancy, participants gain hands-on experience using the state-of-the-art Blue Phantom amniocentesis trainer. This training encompasses critical psychomotor skills, including precise ultrasound probe positioning, needle placement, and amniotic fluid withdrawal. The course is further enriched by the integration of the CAE Vimedix Ultrasound Simulator, which reinforces learning through simulated clinical cases relevant to participants' specialties in obstetrics and gynecology. Upon completion, participants emerge with the confidence and competence needed to perform amniocentesis and excel in ultrasound imaging, enhancing their contribution to maternal and fetal medicine.

Course director: Anna Sfakianaki, MD